Daniel Farke makes key Joel Piroe point as Leeds United ease past Stoke City to reclaim top spot — Leeds Live 26/12/24

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Leeds United have won four out of their past five Championship matches

Leeds United manager Daniel Farke praised his players mentality after their 2-0 triumph at struggling Stoke City. The Potters created the first opening of the night early on, with Lewis Koumas denied from close range by goalkeeper Illan Meslier after Junior Tchamadeu had pulled the ball back to him.

After that early scare, the Whites went on to take complete control of the first half and deservedly led after Joel Piroe's eighth goal of the season. The Dutchman was initially denied by Viktor Johansson but lashed a thunderous follow up in off the underside of the crossbar to get on the scoresheet for the first time since November 27.

Piroe wrapped up the points in the 64th minute, nodding home Daniel James' pinpoint cross. Farke told Sky Sports: "It was perhaps not our best team performance and individually we could have started the game better. We missed too many chances.

"But we showed lots of consistency at the moment. Another clean sheet, win and an important three points on the road against an opponent that wanted to turn their momentum a little bit. It was not an easy game to play on Boxing Day so compliments to my lads for the three points."

It was United's fourth win in five outings. Victory lifted the Whites above Burnley and Sheffield United into top spot on goal difference.

Farke admitted: "We missed many chances to create and score more goals in the second half. The scoreline could have been a little clearer. It was perhaps not our most shining performance but a mature one. When the games are coming thick and fast, you can't always expect fireworks. Overall, we did the job we wanted to do.

"It is not always easy when everybody else has played and you are under a little bit of pressure so to show a strong mentality to deliver and a clean sheet makes me pretty happy."

On Piroe's contribution, Farke said: "Name me one player who has scored more goals in the Championship in the last three and a half years? He scored 21 goals for Swansea, 19 for us last season and right now he's close to double figures. He's a key player for us. We are Leeds United so we have lots of competition. We need his goals and today he delivered again."

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